3 teens accused of sports camp sex assaults in Western Mass.

Saturday

Aug 31, 2013 at 6:00 AMAug 31, 2013 at 9:20 AM

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Three male Somerville High School soccer players attending a school sports camp in western Massachusetts have been arrested on charges they sexually assaulted three younger campers, authorities said Friday.

Berkshire District Attorney David Capeless said the assaults allegedly occurred Sunday at Camp Lenox in Otis, where Somerville was holding an annual team-building retreat. He said the three juniors, members of the junior varsity team, assaulted three freshmen in a cabin.

Capeless said 17-year-old Galileo Mondol and two 16-year-old juveniles were arrested Friday. Mondol is charged with one count of aggravated rape of a child under 16, two counts of assault with intent to rape a child under 16, one count of indecent assault and battery, three counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and three counts of intimidation. The juveniles are facing similar charges. It's not known if they have attorneys. They are to be arraigned Tuesday in Pittsfield.

Somerville officials said they learned of the allegations Tuesday and immediately told authorities. They said the investigation indicates it was an isolated incident.

School Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi said 161 students attended the camp, with 19 adult supervisors. He said those included 61 soccer players and 8 supervisors.

"All of us, frankly, are horrified at these allegations," Pierantozzi said Friday at a news conference in Somerville with the mayor and other school officials. "We will ensure to the best of our ability that everyone and anyone who needs support will have it."